While Joe was still a young child his parents Rita and
Joseph sought help from The United Arc for Joe, who
needed some extra support. With encouragement from his
grandmother, Joe became a Cub Scout and later a Boy
Scout. Today, Joe describes himself as a “Jack of all
trades and a scholar of all studies”. He is a
photographer, activist, scholar, and historian. Joe
also works several days a week at Riff's North in
Turners Falls. He mops the floors and helps prepare
the restaurant for the day. Joe and his family are a
vibrant part of The United Arc and their community.

He is a photographer

When Joe was six years old, he began learning
photography from his grandfather. Watching his
grandfather's construction company, J.A. Parzych
Excavating demolish an old building in Northampton
inspired Joe to start his own photography career. He
soon introduced himself to The Montague Reporter,
starting a professional relationship that continues
today.

Joe enjoys developing computer enhanced photography
and drawing comic strips. He displayed his art at The
United Arc Athol Open House in June 2017, and donated
two of his photos to The United Arc 2017 Annual Gala
& Auction!

He is a scholar and historian

Joe loves to learn and he reads all genres of books. Leonardo
da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Nicolas Tesla are
among his heroes. After high school, Joe's passion for learning
led him to take classes in liberal arts and computer science at
Greenfield Community College. He also completed a six week
course at Greenfield and Montague Community TV, where he made
a historical video about local senior citizens.

He is active in the community

Joe enjoys a wide variety of hobbies such as Lego and drafting.
He plays the blues on his guitar and his record collection
dates back to the 1940s. Joe is also very active in Friends in
Common, a group sponsored by The United Arc for young people
that holds dances and participates in community activities. As
he stretches to continually redefine his full potential, Joe
guides his life with a quote from the film Star Trek II: The
Wrath of Khan. “I don't believe in the no-win scenario,” the
character Captain Kirk says, facing the supposedly impossible.
“Risk is a business,” Joe observes.

He is an activist

In 2008, The Greenfield High School held a forum introducing
a new state law to address bullying. Governor Baker and
other state officials attended. Many parents stood up and
spoke but Joe was the only student who did. He stood up in
front of a full auditorium, and said, “Finally, we have
passed a law and we have freedom to speak about bullying…”

Joe has been bullied himself. He says “A lot of people get
bullied and it increases dropping out of school and getting
into trouble, and I encourage people not to let it get you
down. I feel pretty good about the change around bullying and
that it helps the self-esteem and encouragement for a face to
keep smiling.” Joe still has the best friends who helped him
get through those experiences.

Family

Joe's mother, Rita was one of the original parents in The United Arc's
Positive Parenting Program. It began in 1985 and remains the only one
of its kind in Massachusetts. One of the first activities was swimming
at the YMCA. Rita, Joseph and their children Katie and Joe continue
to participate in The United Arc activities such as the Annual Picnic
and The United Arc Open Houses. Rita is still part of our lively Chat
& Knit group.

Valuing, respecting, including and recognizing the
contributions of our citizens with disabilities.